Featuring Body scrub, Reflexology massage cream, and Tsubo-oshi.
Japan is known for its onsen (natural hot springs), and sento (traditional public baths), but a bath in Japan doesn't always have to be for your whole body!
Ashi-yu (足湯) are Japanese foot baths or foot spas, meant for soaking away the muscle aches of tired feet and calves.
Ashi-yu are a delightful treat–the ultimate simple indulgence that encapsulates the meaning of “shikohin.” Because they're scattered throughout onset towns and occasionally found in places like train stations in the countryside (or even in airports), ashi-yu are extremely convenient and accessible. Many footbaths are free to use, and any passerby can spend a few minutes relaxing at the ashi-yu before heading on their way.
Reflexologists compare a person to a tree: the roots are the feet, the trunk is the spinal column and the fronds are the face, the nearest part of the human body to sunlight. According to this discipline, feet create the microcosm of human being.
Did you know that the bottoms of your feet could affect the wellness of other areas of your body? On each foot there are over 7,000 nerve endings called reflexes that correspond to every organ and system within your body. By pressing on these reflex points, you stimulate the nervous system and open energy pathways that may be blocked or congested.
1. Head and Brain
According to reflexology, the tips of the toes are directly connected to your head and brain. If you have a headache or you are stressed, massaging the tips and bottom of the toes can help relieve the stress. It also helps relieve headaches and has a positive impact on the overall health of the brain.
2. Small Intestines
The small intestines are connected to the area between the heel and the ball of the foot. Massaging this place leads to a healthier intestinal tract and improved digestion. Massaging this place on the feet is highly beneficial to those people who suffer from severe indigestion and bloating.
3. The Heart
It’s one of the most crucial organs because it keeps the body alive by pumping blood to all other parts of the body. The heart is one of the organs whose health should be taken seriously by everyone. On the left side on the ball of the foot is said to be the place connected to the heart. It might be a bit difficult to nail but its right below the bottom of the toes. Massaging this place improves blood flow in the body and is highly beneficial to the overall circulatory system and heart health.
4. The Lungs
Reflexology places the connection between the feet and the lungs at the middle of the balls of the feet. Focusing on this area improves the overall health of the lungs. It’s especially beneficial to people suffering from asthma.
5. The Neck
Neck aches and pains are some of the most common in the human body. The connection between the neck and the feet lies just below the big toe. Massaging this point helps ease the neck pains and discomfort. Reflexology is great, and it’s well known to have health benefits. However, it’s not scientifically proven to have medicinal benefits. If you experience any pain or discomfort in your body, it’s good to see a doctor as fast as possible. The connection between the feet and the body can’t, however, be ignored.
Infused with the uplifting citrusy fragrances of yuzu and Japanese cypress (hiba), Shikohin’s mineral foot soak ritual is inspired by the Japanese tradition of ashi-yu and is an effortless way to experience many of the physical and emotional benefits of a full-body bath while indulging in the aromatherapeutic benefits of our natural essential oils.
Some of these benefits include mental relaxation, release of muscle tension, better sleep, reduced stress, increased circulation, and replenishment of the body's minerals. On an energetic level, foot soaks disperse stagnant energy and will move it to different regions of the body.
To recreate the ashi-yu experience from the comfort of your own home, begin by filling your bathtub or a large basin with very warm water.
1- Drop 1-2 Relaxing Onsen Hot Spring Bath Tablets into the warm water and let it dissolve.
2- Soak your feet in the purifying and nourishing mineral water for 10-20 minutes.
3- Indulge in a moment of mindful meditation, gratitude, and peace.
4- Apply a spoonful of the Hemp & Rice Scrub to the soles of the feet and massage sore pressure points with your fingers. Notice the sensation of the exfoliating rice powder & hemp fibers. For a gentle experience, combine the scrub with our Enchanting Dry Body Oil.
5- Rinse the scrub off of your feet. It should leave a thin, soothing layer of nourishing oils on your skin. Dry your feet with a clean towel.
6- Lather the Reflexology Massage Cream in the palms of your hands to warm it. Gently massage the soles of your feet with this restoring and aromatic forest blend of moisturizing ingredients. Plant-based Hyaluronic acid from Snow mushrooms & protective pine bark extract (Pycnogenol) that, when paired with our broad spectrum CBD oil, will soothe your hands and feet, relieve tension, and deeply nurture the skin.
7- Gently massage your pressure points with the Tsubo-Oshi for optimum relaxation. Massage in a rotating motion using your thumbs or our specially designed Tsubo-Oshi: press in, rotate, lift, and then move, covering only a small area. Take your time.
A regular foot massage along with reflexology helps in promoting physiological as well as physical health.
Reflexology is an ancient healing practice based on the principle that there are reflex points on the feet that correspond to the body’s different organs and glands. The human foot is an evolutionary marvel, capable of handling hundreds of tons of force and your weight in motion. It has 42 muscles, 26 bones, 33 joints, 250,000 sweat glands and at least 50 ligaments and tendons—plus almost 15,000 nerve endings!
Improves blood circulation:
Due to our sedentary lifestyles, many people don’t use their feet muscles properly, which impedes good blood flow. Also, tight, pointed shoes–especially high heels–hinder circulation. Ten minutes of foot massage daily helps in transporting oxygen to the body’s cells, which is essential for overall health.
Helps in relaxation:
After a tiring and stressful day, a foot massage is a soothing way to relax. Particularly after a long day of standing and walking around, the feet tend to swell. Massaging reflexology points for just 5 to 10 minutes before going to bed can improve feelings of general well-being.
Promotes better sleep:
The best time to massage your feet is before going to bed. A soothing and relaxing foot massage improves blood circulation, which aids in peaceful sleep.
Relieves body pains:
This is the best part of reflexology. If done carefully, it treats pains and aches such as headaches, migraines, neck pain, lower and upper backaches.
Improves mood and fights depression:
Foot massage and reflexology helps in fighting depression. Certain points on the feet are helpful in alleviating depression symptoms. Massaging these points or applying pressure to them for a few minutes 2 or 3 times a day can help relieve symptoms of depression.
Makes feet healthier:
One easy way to help keep your feet healthy and free from foot problems is a regular foot massage. It helps stimulate the muscles around your feet, lessens stiffness, and even reduces pain in the ankles or the heels. Plus, a short 5-minute foot massage daily will make your ankles strong and flexible, thus preventing ankle and foot injuries.
Stay connected with the Shikohin Wellness Community for more information and upcoming classes on self-care health rituals!
Free from synthetics for gentle care
Leaping Bunny certified for a kinder world
No animal-derived ingredients for conscious skincare
Uncompromised health and results
Traditional ingredients for modern healing
Rigorous quality, safety, and purity checks
